Our Best Tips Around Hội An

Just imagine all the little secrets we’ve picked up after 18 years of living in Vietnam—things we usually only share with friends. Today’s your lucky day: I’m going to let you in on all my habits, my quirks, my hidden spots, for everyone’s enjoyment.

Let me warn you, I absolutely love Hoi An and I never get tired of it. Don’t stop at the old town packed with tourists—that’s only the surface. Of course, Hoi An attracts people from all over the world: it’s an ancient city, quite unique in the world. We can’t keep it just for ourselves. But Hoi An is full of hidden treasures. You can find everything here.

So yes, I go often. I also have a very good friend who now lives there year-round, and I’m seriously thinking of following his lead.

Where to begin??

Alright, here we go. It all depends on the season when you visit Hoi An. If you come during the beautiful season, from April to October, I recommend booking a room in a small villa in An Bang. An Bang is a fishing village with a stunning beach that is gradually transforming into a little… let’s say slightly bohemian village.

The small fishermen’s houses are turning into pretty villas, where you can rent a room or even the whole house. Prices are very reasonable. It almost feels like home. I change places each time I go, so I don’t have one villa in particular to recommend, but there’s plenty of choice.

The village is lively, full of restaurants and small, friendly bars—something for every age and every taste. My kids love Bikini Bottom, the best burger around, an air-conditioned restaurant (sometimes that matters when it’s 35 degrees—it gives you a real break).

Our go-to spot on the beach is Soul Kitchen, an institution. In your swimsuit, just chilling with a passion fruit juice or a local beer, rinsing off in the showers, lounging on the sunbeds, sinking into comfy couches, enjoying food from all over the world. Good music, reasonable prices, a multigenerational vibe.

There are plenty of other places, but that one is our favorite.

If you’re craving pizza in a cozy setting, with a nice little live band, I recommend La Riva. They even host salsa nights if you feel like dancing.

I love the tamarind shrimp at Mr Hoà’s Kitchen. You’ll find his restaurant down a tiny, colorful alley near the beach.

And the seafood at Lucky Beach is just incredible. Even their seafood fried rice is excellent. The owner makes a little lemon sauce with squid—delicious. And the broth from her clam soup is a taste memory you won’t forget.

An Bang beach is only 3 km from Hoi An. In between are rice fields, with beautiful buffalo and a lovely little café called Roving. It’s a perfect place to stop, take amazing photos, and soak in a countryside atmosphere that feels completely different from the beach. That’s what’s extraordinary about Hoi An.

I’ve been diving since I was a child. In Hoi An, I dive with the Australian club Blue Coral, owned by Steve. The dives take place near the Cham Islands, off the coast of Hoi An. I’ve written a detailed article about it—worth checking out if you’re interested.

To enjoy Hoi An’s old town, I prefer wandering there in the morning around 10 a.m. I love the Metiseko boutique, both its architecture and its décor.

On the same street, there’s a small café with a workshop in the back where deaf and mute artisans sculpt metal. It’s a charming place to sip tea or juice, nibble on little pastries. Everything is beautifully done. You’ll find it just a few houses before the Japanese bridge.

We also have a tradition: at 5 p.m., we go for an Imperial IPA at 7 Bridges. And after lunch, we have our coffee across the river to watch the city.

White Rose is a must for lunch—just two dishes, but a true institution. If you’re craving French food, head to Le Cabanon. And for a really good glass of wine, try Hidden Thaiger, a newly opened wine bar—perfect both for the décor and the carefully curated selection.

In the mood for a show? Go see Teh Dar, by the famous Lune Production troupe. Teh Dar highlights the culture and traditions of central Vietnam. It’s tribal, legendary, acrobatic—with music and lights that are absolutely exceptional. I highly recommend it.

So there you have it, my favorite places and little rituals around Hoi An. I hope these small confidences will inspire you to (re)discover this wonderful region, to wander without rushing, to experience it at your own pace… and maybe even to settle here someday.